Children’s ResponsibilitiesChild’s responsibility in the feeding relationship Decide whether or not to eat
Decide how much to eat
Grow the way nature . . .
and his/her genetics . . . intend Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

A Newborn’s Feeding Sign Language:

A Newborn’s Feeding Sign Language Signs of hunger
Fussing or fidgeting during sleep
Sucking on the tongue or lips during sleep
Moving the arms and hands toward the mouth
Turning the head from side to side Signs of fullness
Falling asleep
Relaxing the body
Opening the fists and relaxing the forehead Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

Avoid ChokingOlder baby is still learning to chew and swallowNot all gagging is chokingAvoid foods that can block the windpipe:

Avoid ChokingOlder baby is still learning to chew and swallowNot all gagging is chokingAvoid foods that can block the windpipe Round, slippery foods like grapes and hot dogs
Large pieces of food and hard foods (nuts, raw vegetables, candies, popcorn)
Sticky foods like peanut butter
Cut foods into appropriate shapes
Do not leave a child unsupervised
while he/she is eating Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

Myths and FactsMyth: Babies need water.Fact: Healthy infants do not need extra water. Breast milk or formula provides all the fluid they need.Myth: Starting solids early will help a baby sleep through the night.Fact: There is no connection between consumption of solid food and night sleeping.:

Myths and FactsMyth: Babies need water.Fact: Healthy infants do not need extra water. Breast milk or formula provides all the fluid they need.Myth: Starting solids early will help a baby sleep through the night.Fact: There is no connection between consumption of solid food and night sleeping. Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

Toddlers: Myths and FactsMyth: If toddlers eat a snack between lunch and dinner, they won’t have room for dinner.Fact: Toddlers’ tummies are small, and they need to eat frequently in order to consume enough food to meet energy needs.Myth: A low-fat diet is as appropriate for toddlers as it is for adults.Fact: Children up to age 2 should get about half their daily calories from fat. After that, fat can be gradually cut down until about 30–35% of calories come from fat.Myth: Toddlers can drink unlimited amounts of milk and juice.Fact: Toddlers need nutrients from foods that are not in milk and juice.:

Toddlers: Myths and FactsMyth: If toddlers eat a snack between lunch and dinner, they won’t have room for dinner.Fact: Toddlers’ tummies are small, and they need to eat frequently in order to consume enough food to meet energy needs.Myth: A low-fat diet is as appropriate for toddlers as it is for adults.Fact: Children up to age 2 should get about half their daily calories from fat. After that, fat can be gradually cut down until about 30–35% of calories come from fat.Myth: Toddlers can drink unlimited amounts of milk and juice.Fact: Toddlers need nutrients from foods that are not in milk and juice. Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

Parent Responsibilities in the Feeding Relationship:

Parent Responsibilities in the Feeding Relationship Make mealtimes pleasant and calm
Model healthy eating
Select and buy foods
Make meals and snacks
Provide a regular time and place where eating occurs
Present food in an age-appropriate manner
Provide eating helps
Provide participation in preparing family meals Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

School-age Children: Myths and FactsMyth: Sugar causes excessive activity or restlessness in children (sometimes called hyperactivity).Fact: There is no research evidence that sugar influences behavior.Myth: Additives such as colored dyes and preservatives influence behavior.Fact: Research remains inconclusive. Special diets have not consistently improved children’s symptoms.:

School-age Children: Myths and FactsMyth: Sugar causes excessive activity or restlessness in children (sometimes called hyperactivity).Fact: There is no research evidence that sugar influences behavior.Myth: Additives such as colored dyes and preservatives influence behavior.Fact: Research remains inconclusive. Special diets have not consistently improved children’s symptoms. Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002

Role of Parent Educators:

Role of Parent Educators Be aware of the considerable capabilities of children to actively participate in feeding.
Be skilled at alerting parents to the natural progression that children go through in accumulating eating and physical activity skills.
Be aware of the parent or child characteristics that can affect the feeding relationship.
Be sensitive to the support children require from parents to do well in eating and activity. Partnering with Parents SP 175 VII July 2002